Cavanaugh Launches 49ers Past Eagles, 24-13

November 4, 1985|By United Press International

SAN FRANCISCO — Matt Cavanaugh, starting for injured Joe Montana, completed 20 of 32 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown Sunday to lead the San Francisco 49ers to a 24-13 triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles, whose three-game winning streak ended.

San Francisco (5-4) widened its lead to 21-3 on the opening possession of the second half when Wendell Tyler ran 3 yards for his second touchdown.

The Eagles (4-5) bounced back when Ron Jaworski hit Mike Quick, who had beaten Dwight Hicks, with an 82-yard touchdown pass to narrow the margin to 21-10.

San Francisco's Roger Craig then fumbled, and Herman Edwards recovered for Philadelphia at the 49ers' 25-yard line. The Eagles lost yardage on the drive and were forced to settle for a 44-yard field goal by Paul McFadden to make it 21-13.

The 49ers regained the momentum on their next possession. On third-and-11 at San Francisco's 19, Cavanaugh connected with rookie Jerry Rice for a 41- yard reception. With a third-and-7 from the Eagles' 37, Cavanaugh found tight end Earl Cooper with a 20-yard strike down to the 17. However, a sack forced the 49ers to settle for a 36-yard field goal by Ray Wersching to wrap up the scoring.